One of the biggest concerns people have about homeschooling is socialization. It was something we were focused on when we transitioned to educating at home. It is one of the first questions asked or things mentioned when I talk to people about homeschooling. We did a round table discussion about it at Growing Your Homeschool.
By definition, my children are well socialized. They interact with a large variety of people on a daily basis, and I find it to be extra nice that they are interacting with individuals who are vastly different in age and circumstance (and don’t all wear the same brand of clothing or make fun of people who aren’t in the same activities).
But there’s nothing like having other kids for buddies. My children each have friends they have made through our days in regular school, our Church, or classes and lessons they have taken. Still, when asked who their best friend is (don’t get me started on that – it’s a silly and isolating concept) they will give their sibling’s names.
And the bond they have with their cousins is intense on a level that is a joy to see. They don’t live in the same town, so they see each other six or seven times a year at regular intervals. They range in age from twelve to six. They don’t live together and have the battles that normal siblings do, but they are tied by blood. It is a blessing in our lives and we are so thankful. I know the kids are too.
Shooter taking a photo with his ipod of some of his best friends at the Denver National Stock Show this past weekend.
Your children are fortunate to be avoiding all that negative social “stuff”. They have friends, good ones, and relatives who are very close to them. What more could they need? I’ve always been grateful for our summers at the trailer, where my boys became close to my brother’s children. So did I! They lived far away and without those summers, their friendships and love for each other might never have happened.
I agree, Samm. I spent far less time with my canadian cousins, but I loved them like siblings and consider them some of my very best friends on the planet earth. I’m so grateful for the time our parents managed to make for us to be together – I am so glad to see my children forming similar relationships with their cousins.